You probably have a friend who travels more days than he or she spends at home and, as a result, has more incredible perks with airlines and hotels than you could ever dream up. While you're not going to earn the highest level of elite status at a hotel chain without a serious commitment, you a very small one can do the trick. As New York Times writer Michelle Higgins points out, you may only need to stay with the same hotel chain for as few as four nights. Alternatively, certain credit cards can reduce your minimums and help you earn your privileges and rewards a bit faster:

Each hotel program has a slightly different threshold for attaining elite loyalty status; which program is best for you depends largely on your travel patterns and preferences. While there is no minimum-night-stay requirement for the non-elite entry-level tier of most hotel loyalty programs, elite status does require that you either spend several nights at the chain or get the right credit card.

Hilton HHonors, Hyatt Gold Passport, and Marriott Rewards all offer some kind of elite status for a small commitment. Hit up the full article over at the New York Times for specific details.